Author: Dave Hawkins

Tuesday, 28 November 2023 is “Giving Tuesday” designated as such for you to show your support to non-profit organizations during the holiday season. We encourage you to give as you can tomorrow and please consider a donation to the 193rd SOW Association. We are here to help the Airmen and their families of the 193rd Special Operations Wing. Since the inception of our Assistance Fund and our association with the United Way in 2008 we have raised and provided needed funds in excess of $75,000 to the Airmen and their families of the 193rd SOW. We established an annual scholarship program, provided funds to help the units with their MWR programs, honored the Outstanding Airmen and Officer program. 100% of your donations to our Assistance Fund directly help the Airmen, Officers and their families at the 193rd SOW. Please consider helping us as we continue helping our brothers and sisters in arms.

CLEVELAND – Starting later this year, automated Age 59
SmartDocs email messages will be sent out to Gray Area
Retirees. Gray Area Retirees are members who served in the
Guard or Reserve, are qualified for retired pay, and have retired
from their service (stopped drilling) but are not yet at the age
where they can start receiving retired pay. These SmartDocs will
include important resources for Gray Area Retirees about their
upcoming retirement and how to get in contact with their branch
of service to apply for retirement.
Defense Finance and Accounting Services and the branches
of service worked together on a special webpage with important
information for Gray Area Retirees; Gray Area Retirees (dfas.mil)
Located on the right side of the Gray Area Retirees page are
individual web page links to each of the Service branch contact
information and updates. Make sure to check out these
webpages for the most updated information.

Join the 2023 Combined Federal Campaign

Official Solicitation Period September 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024

CFC’s Online Giving System

Dear Federal retirees,

After years of public service, do you desire to continue giving back to your community, country, and people around the world? One way to do that is to continue to give to your favorite charities through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC has thousands of vetted charities to choose from, and you can even give to multiple charities with one pledge.

Collectively, the Federal community gave nearly $72.6 million in 2022 through the CFC. Retirees like you are a huge part of this effort. Federal and military retirees contributed more than $4.2 million in 2022, a 13.6% increase from 2021. Retirees now make up 6% of overall CFC donations.

The CFC’s Online Giving System is now open. If you have given previously, you can log on to your account and renew your pledge with the click of a button. If this is your first time using the system, you will create an account, search for, and add the charities you want to support, and complete your pledge. You can give through your federal annuity (the most popular method) or directly via a bank account or credit card.

I am sure you have seen the devastating news out of Hawaii. CFC charities are providing both immediate support and long-term assistance to the people on Maui as they rebuild and recover. I know that Federal employees and retirees will aid the many families and communities affected. During this CFC solicitation period please remember the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by this disaster with your gifts.

FEMA and other federal emergency response personnel are on the ground in Lahaina and working closely with the state and local officials to assist in the clean-up and recovery process, but each gift and donation you make will help the Maui community.

You can also pledge by mail. Paper pledge forms and other resources are available online. Mail your completed form to CFC Processing Center, P.O. Box 7820, Madison, WI 53707-7820.

Here are a few ways your generosity can make a difference:

• Ensure rescue workers have the right equipment to keep them safe while they help others.
• Help find cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other diseases affecting those you love.
• Supply classrooms with necessary supplies, textbooks, and educational equipment.

For inspiration, check out this short video: https://youtu.be/bniBHV4SKS0

Thank you for your generosity and willingness to change the world through the CFC.

Here are two important links to keep you informed about retirement options and services

Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)

First time Logging in myFSS NonCAC_User Instructions_032823_1.pdf (af.mil)

Keep these links in your “Favorite” list so you can get to these sites anytime.

Please take some time to support the Association in our mission to help the members of the 193rd Special Operations Wing.

• System Open: The CFC online giving system is now open for all Federal employees, retirees and others who created a Giving Account.  cfcgiving.opm.gov.  To find the 193rd SOW Association in the CFC you can do a search of “193” or look up #45961.
• If you do not already have one, please create an account at login.gov to authenticate yourself as a user.
• 2023 Security Update: The system is now protected by anti-phishing multi-factor authentication measures.
• If you need assistance with your CFC online giving account, call 800-797-0098 or 608-237-4898 or log into your account to send us an electronic message.